“What if a group of people told you that you couldn’t celebrate Diwali, or Christmas, or Chinese New Year?” Ms. Chelsea Hamaguchi watched as her students struggled to understand this difficult question and reminded them, hard as it was to believe, that this is precisely what happened to Indigenous Peoples not too long ago.

As an educator, I have the opportunity to make a difference in how our students view the world and the people who live in our community, students will grow up having a greater understanding and appreciation for the people we see in or community today. Ms. Chelsea Hamaguchi, Elementary Teacher

With National Truth and Reconciliation Day approaching, the Physical Health educator wanted her students to understand the significance and importance of the day. This tough question sparked more questions and conversations and activities that would help students learn about Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and traditions and histories.

Ms. Hamaguchi then found traditional Indigenous Games that would only tie into the PHE curriculum but also promote Indigenous Ways of Knowing. The ‘stealing rocks’ game, similar to capture the flag, showed students that games are often inspired from or similar to those from other cultures. The ‘hunting’ game, meanwhile, showed them the importance of hunting and Indigenous ways of living. 

Try Indigenious-inspired games at home

Stick and Ring
Eastern Woodland Natives

“This hand game helps children develop hand-eye coordination and accuracy.”

Ages: 4+ years
Participants: 2 participants
Equipment: A ring and a stick

Instructions: Participants stand apart from one another; one holds a ring, the other a stick. The ring holder tosses the ring in the air, while the stick holder tries to fly through the centre of it. After a few rounds, participants switch sides.

Foot Tag
Inuit

“Giving children opportunities to practice balance, coordination and speed were very important in Inuit communities as these skills built smart and agile hunters who would bring home food for the community.” 

Ages: 6+ years
Participants: 2 participants
Equipment: None

Instructions: One person is designated as “it”. The person who is “it” uses his or her own foot to tag the foot of their opponents. Once the other person is tagged, the players switch roles.

One Foot High Kick
Inuit

“The game was played by all to develop skills to deal with the different types of land conditions the Inuit people had to face during their hunting seasons. Hunters had to be quiet, fast, and agile to have successful hunts to provide for their families.” 

Ages: 10+ years
Participants: 2 participants
Equipment: Something to serve as a target for kickers.

Instructions: Participants are given three attempts to kick the target. A small target is suspended at various heights from a support. Participants take turns attempted to kick the target while walking, running, or standing still. The target is gradually raised, until only one can still touch it. That athlete is considered the winner.